Health & Wellness Challenge achieves milestone

Orchard Park, NY (January 24, 2018) – The Independent Health and Buffalo Bills Health & Wellness Challenge continues to inspire Western New Yorkers to become more engaged in their own health and well-being. More than 21,000 individuals – including 1,950 new participants – were registered for the most recent Health & Wellness Challenge, which ran last fall from October 9 through November 19.

As with past Health & Wellness Challenges, participants were once again challenged to integrate physical activity and good nutrition into their daily lives. In turn, on average, each participant logged more than seven hours of physical activity, while consuming 62 servings of fruits and vegetables and 102 glasses of water during the six-week initiative.

The Health & Wellness Challenge was designed to help motivate adults of all ages to live healthier lives by offering them opportunities to win prizes. The first initiative kicked off in October 2014 and drew 2,300 participants. Since then, six more rounds of the Challenge have been held, with participation steadily increasing each round, bringing the total number of registrants to 21,047.

“We are thrilled that more than 21,000 people have now registered for the Health & Wellness Challenge and are taking the steps to adopt healthy habits and achieve healthier lifestyles,” said Michael W. Cropp, M.D., president and CEO, Independent Health. “In partnering with the Buffalo Bills, we have been able to offer the entire community a health and wellness program that is easy, fun and rewarding. While participants may initially sign up in hopes of winning some great prizes, it is overall improved health and well-being that is truly the real reward in the end.”

Variety of prizes awarded, including grand prize trip to NashvilleBy meeting daily goals and completing health and wellness challenges for points, all Challenge competitors were eligible to win a variety of prizes. Neil McGillicuddy, of Tonawanda, was chosen as the lucky winner of the Fall 2017 grand prize – a trip for two to Nashville, Tennessee. The grand prize included roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations for three nights and a VIP experience at Black River Entertainment.

Five participants were also selected at random each week to receive a prize, including signed Bills memorabilia, Bose® wireless headphones, fitness trackers, gift cards and autographed Black River Entertainment merchandise. In addition, participants were once again able to synch their compatible fitness tracker to the Health & Wellness Challenge website and track their steps. For every 5,000 steps walked, participants earned an entry into a weekly drawing to win two tickets to the Bills home game against Indianapolis on December 10.

To keep the drive toward a “One Healthier Buffalo” alive, Independent Health and the Buffalo Bills are planning to kick off an eighth Health & Wellness Challenge in the spring. Until then, participants are encouraged to continue to visit www.buffalobills.com/thechallenge for new wellness tips and message board updates that will help them stay motivated.